We’ve all been in situations where we need to end a conversation without coming across as rude or insensitive. Whether it’s because we’re short on time, don’t vibe well with the other person, or simply have nothing else to say, it can be tricky to find an exit strategy that doesn’t offend. Here are three ways to gracefully end a conversation without making the other person feel uncomfortable.

1. Use an exit line

Sometimes, you need a straightforward approach to concluding a conversation. An exit line is a way of acknowledging that the conversation has reached its natural end without hurting the other person’s feelings. One example might be saying, “I won’t keep you any longer; I know you have things to do.” This statement shifts the responsibility onto yourself as opposed to suggesting that the conversation is dull or unenjoyable.

Another exit line could be, “It was great catching up! Let’s do this again soon.” By doing this, you emphasize your positive feelings about the interaction and leave with an open invitation for future conversations.

2. Introduce them to someone else

If you’re at a party or networking event and want to wrap up a chat without making things awkward, introduce the person you were speaking with to someone else in the room. For instance, “Oh! Have you met Sarah? She works in the same industry as you. I think you two might have some interesting things to talk about.” This method extends the opportunity for your conversation partner to continue engaging with others while providing you with a smooth exit from the situation.

3. Set time boundaries from the outset

If you know ahead of time that your interaction will be brief, mention it early on in the conversation so your conversational partner is aware of your limited availability. For example, if you’re having a quick chat during your lunch break at work, you could mention that you only have 10 minutes before you need to get back to the office. This way, when the time comes to leave, it won’t be as abrupt.

By employing these three strategies for ending a conversation without being rude, you’ll minimize the chances of hurt feelings and maintain positive relationships with those around you. Practice these tactics and soon, disengaging from conversations will become an effortless and thoughtful process.